By Matthew Sullivan

Copyright news

Cedric Bakambu opened the scoring for Real Betis in the 15th minute before Igor Jesus scored two goals in six minutes to give Nottingham Forest a 2-1 lead at halftime.

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But Forest played more conservatively after the break and Real Betis equalised through a sharp finish from Antony in the 85th minute as a clever cross slice through Forest’s defence.

The draw continues a tough start to Postecoglou’s tenure as Forest manager, with the Aussie yet to record a victory in his four matches in charge so far.

Forest lost 3-0 to Arsenal and drew 1-1 to Burnley in Premier League games since Postecoglou took over, and were eliminated from the League Cup by Swansea last week.

“He’ll be so frustrated. Still waiting for a first win as Forest manager,” a Stan Sport commentator said following the draw to Real Betis.

It was Nottingham Forest’s first game in continental European competition in 30 years.

Postecoglou, who won the Europa League last season with Tottenham before being sacked little over a fortnight later, is aiming to end Forest’s wait since 1990 for a major trophy.

He dropped target man Chris Wood to the bench in favour of Jesus, and the striker signed this summer from Botafogo delivered for the Australian.

Betis’ key man was former Manchester United winger Antony, and he helped create the opening goal.

Hosting the game at the Cartuja stadium in Seville while their Benito Villamarin home undergoes renovation, Betis took the lead in the 15th minute through Bakambu.

Antony floated inside from the right and fed the DR Congo international, who turned and drilled into the top corner at the near post.

Forest levelled swiftly through Brazilian striker Jesus, who tapped home from close range after Morgan Gibbs-White’s low pass cut through the defence to find him.

Jesus had his second just five minutes later, heading past Matz Sels from a corner as Betis left him in space.

Callum Hudson-Odoi almost grabbed a third but hit the post with the goal gaping. It came to cost Forest.

Betis probed for an equaliser in the second half and almost found one when Pablo Fornals lashed towards goal from distance but the ball sailed wide.

Eventually their pressure told and Antony tucked home from Marc Roca’s cross with five minutes remaining.

Just as in their early League Cup elimination by second-tier Swansea a week ago, Postecoglou’s side let a two-goal lead slip.

Forest, who have played four away games in a row since the coach was appointed, host Sunderland at home on Saturday.